2025 Session Last amended: 1973 session

§ 44.02 — Municipal Merit System, Establishment

Plain-Language Summary

Smaller Minnesota cities (second, third, or fourth class, and statutory cities) can create a merit-based hiring and employment system by passing an ordinance that is then approved by voters at an election.

Practical Notes
The merit system must be approved by a majority of voters — the city council alone cannot establish it. This applies only to smaller cities; larger cities have their own civil service systems.